Between Pak Lah and Khairy

To current leaders in Malaysia politics, they cannot escape the public perception and wild allegations of cronyism and nepotism which are leveled against them. This is a culture now. This culture is believed to be born and groomed during Tun Mahathir’s era. This culture is not known before Tun Mahathir’s era.

The leaders are accused of enriching a select few only i.e. their circle of supporters and families. They are accused of rampant corruption and misused of public funds and projects. They are accused of using their position and connection for their self interests only. They are accused a lot.

That was why our former premier Tun Mahathir forbade his sons to be active in politics during his premiership. He let his sons to be UMNO members only but not national leaders. He wanted to avoid the issue of cronyism and nepotism against him and his children. He was careful and he was smart. But still the issue was raised once by some disgruntled UMNO members in one of the UMNO general assemblies. Some political analysts believe that the members were the supporters of Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim who wanted to pressure Tun Mahathir to step down. Though some quarters still accuse Tun Mahathir of other forms of cronyism and nepotism but his sons escape the wild accusations so far.

So when Pak Lah let his son-in-law Khairy Jamaluddin to contest the post of UMNO deputy youth chief, some political analysts expected repercussions on Pak Lah’s leadership and integrity later. Pak Lah may face the ugly head of cronyism and nepotism. This issue will be raised sooner or later by UMNO members who are not in his camp, and I think it is happening now. History has proven that UMNO leaders can only be brought down by their own party members and not by other political party. Even PAS cannot touch UMNO national leaders.

Actually, it’s not wrong for Khairy to be active in politics and business. It’s not wrong for him to be a national leader. This is a free country and you can try your luck anytime you want.

But politics is not about right or wrong. Politics is about shrewd strategy. Politics is about two steps ahead of your enemy and rival. Politics is about how effective and influential you are in contributing and propelling the nation to glory both domestically and internationally. So how effective and influential can Khairy be in the face of all those allegations? How effective and influential can Pak Lah be now?

I think Khairy should re-consider his place and time before he launched his political career nationally. Last time, no one challenged him for the post of UMNO Deputy Youth Chief but next time it will be a different story altogether. So many people have said that his presence has undermined Pak Lah’s leadership and integrity. Even Tun Mahathir himself has used Khairy as a scapegoat to attack Pak Lah’s leadership. Pak Lah is at the receiving end now.

So who are we going to save now, Pak Lah or Khairy? I have no choice but to save Pak Lah and therefore, Khairy should resign and withdraw immediately from active national politics. Don’t worry Khairy, you are still young and your time will come soon to be our hero, just make sure you have all the quality of a national hero.

I always believe that a good leader is someone who would sacrifice his self interest for national interest. Good luck Khairy.